Top tips to engage with club members this Jump Start January
We know that it can be difficult after a break - such as the recent festive period - to get back into a routine, particularly when nights are dark and the weather is cold! So, we've put together some top tips to engage with your club members this month.
Communication
Sharing positive stories on your social media channels reminds your members of the progress people have made, the fun they have had, and memories they have made. It would also be useful to share what is coming up in the near future and what members have to look forward to.
Inclusion
Consider offering a type of session that all of your members feel is manageable - regardless of their current level or if they are coming back from a break.
Rather than focusing on a distance or pace, you could look to complete an out-and-back run over a particular time, include shepherding, or find a small circuit where members can work at their own effort level and not get left behind.
Check in with members who have not come back to training by sending out a private message letting them know what’s on offer, and that you are looking forward to seeing them back.
Challenges
During the time of Covid restrictions when running in groups was limited, clubs up and down the country came up with some brilliant challenges to keep runners motivated. Can you remember what you did back then?
Think about setting up a challenge for the month that all your members can engage with whether they are attending in-person sessions or not. This will also help keep everyone active and engaged if sessions are getting cancelled due to the weather, and members can get out at a different time in the week.
Community
Consider a low cost social activity as part of the session, for example if you are running on a weekend, could you attend a local coffee shop afterwards?
Mental health support
January can be a difficult time for people, with being mid-winter and the idea of facing a new year can be overwhelming and affect people’s mental health. Check your local area for what support is available so that you know where to signpost people if needed. If you have Mental Health Champions in your club, consider putting on a #RunAndTalk session. If you don’t have Mental Health Champions in your club but you would like to, check out this page for more information.